Chris Brubeck's Triple Play performs at BSC ArtsQuestPosted on 4/21/2014

Chris Brubeck's Triple Play

Chris Brubeck's Triple Play returns to Bismarck State College as guest artists for the 17th annual ArtsQuest event series that runs through May 8.

A consummate musician, composer and arranger, Brubeck joins with Peter "Madcat" Ruth on harmonica and guitarist Joel Brown for a dynamic concert Friday, April 25, in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. BSC ArtsQuest presents the 7:30 p.m. concert at no charge.

Triple Play combines an eclectic mix of acoustic music that blends elements of jazz, blues, rock, funk, the classics and original music. The trio stretches musical boundaries while adding a dash of humor to virtuoso performances. With all three contributing vocals, Triple Play delivers an epic sojourn through American music unlike any other band today.

Brubeck is one of four sons of legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck. Chris not only plays his dad's signature instrument, but trombone, bass and guitar. As a composer, he has created an impressive body of symphonic work the past 15 years, while maintaining a demanding touring and recording schedule with Triple Play and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet.

Ruth and Brown have many national and international credits. Ruth holds title as one of the best harmonica players in the world and handles percussion for Triple Play on jaw harp, tambourine, hi hat cymbal, kalimba and ukulele. Guitarist Joel Brown has a long recital and recording portfolio. He was soloist with the Boston Pops and has performed in the Czech Republic, London and on U.S. and British media.

Brubeck and Ruth met as teen-agers recording and touring with Dave Brubeck. The two also played together in the progressive rock band, Sky King. Afterwards, Chris paired with folk singer Bill Crofut and Brown on guitar. When Crofut died in 1999, Ruth rejoined Brubeck and Brown to form Triple Play.

Highlights of Brubeck's composition achievements include "Convergence: Concerto for Orchestra," commissioned and performed by the Boston Pops, and the exciting "Interplay for 3 Violins and Orchestra," a performance broadcast on PBS. For the 2006 Monterey Jazz Festival, Brubeck (who first performed there in 1958) composed the semi-operatic theater work, "Cannery Row Suite," based on John Steinbeck's novel about the drifters and workers of old Monterey. He also has written three musicals and hundreds of songs.

About Bismarck State CollegeBismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu.